SALEM — Salem County freeholders will be looking for a new person to oversee the county’s budget and finances following the recent resignation of the county’s current chief financial officer.

Salem County Chief Financial Officer Doug Wright announced that he will be resigning from his post with the county effective Dec. 31, a year before his term was due to expire.

“There are some other opportunities available to me now that won’t be there at the end of next year, and there are some other things that I’d like to accomplish,” Wright said following his decision to resign. “This seemed like a good time for me to move on.”

Wright, 51, and a lifelong resident of Salem County, took over as the county CFO in September 2008 when he was appointed to fill a one-year unexpired term of the previous CFO, Joanne Bell, following her retirement. Wright was re-appointed to a full three-year term at a salary of about $86,782, with his appointment due to expire on Dec. 31, 2013.

Wright said though he is ready to move on from the position, he offered to stay on until March to help transition in a new person — but the freeholders declined the offer.

“I offered to stay longer to help with the transition, but everyone felt comfortable with me leaving at the end of the month,” said Wright. “They’re comfortable, and that actually works better for me... but at the same time I didn’t want to just bail out in the middle of things if they weren’t comfortable.”

He added, “I truly enjoyed working for the county and appreciate the opportunity that the freeholder board gave me. I’ve been able to serve the people that I grew up with — Salem County is my home, but it’s time for me to move on to another phase in life.”

Freeholder Director Julie Acton said the county received Wright’s resignation on Monday, and board is looking to appoint someone to replace him as soon as possible.

“This is a key leadership position in government, so we have to be mindful that the replacement is capable and qualified,” said Acton. “We’ll keep moving forward and ensure that this is a smooth transition.”

Acton said the board has a few names in mind, with plans to appoint someone before Wright leaves. She said the board is confident that a new person can be quickly transitioned in without having Wright remain on until March.

“We feel we’ll be able to make the transition by the end of December,” said Acton. “We’re searching for a competent person to take on this important leadership position.”

Acton added that the freeholders will miss Wright, and hope the best for him going forward.

“We thank (Wright) for his time with the county and the freeholder board wishes him well in his future endeavors,” she said.

The county is currently in a cycle of preparing its 2013 budget, following an exceptionally difficult budget year in 2012.

Acton said with this year’s budget, the county is utilizing a new computer system that allows department heads to directly enter budget items. This new system was implemented to help eliminate the potential for budget errors or missed line items, she said.